Like fog disappearing in the morning, the illusion of an endless corridor slipped out of Nina and Kyle’s vision.

— You didn’t tell us you could do that — Said the surprised Nina.

— I didn’t know I could. I got the idea from watching Kyle’s ability and I’m glad it work. Walking around holding your hands would’ve been awkward.

— Any idea how long it’ll last? — Asked Kyle.

— Nope. Not sure how many times I can do it either. The description doesn’t say much, so we should hurry up.

Reaching an agreement, the group began walking down the corridor in search of a way to the lower floors where the others were taken.

The corridors didn’t pass on the same pressure as before, but it didn’t make them any less creepy. It looked like a run-down school you’d expect from ghost stories. Several doors surrounded the group on either side, illegible scribbles marking the walls, unknown substances staining the ground and the walls, and mist filled the space. Although the whispers were gone, noises could still be heard around the whole building. The doors creaked, the windows trembled as if a storm was brewing outside, and a subtle rustling gave life to an otherwise dead atmosphere.

The group arrived at the staircase to the lower floor without much problem. Surprising yet suspicious, but every second mattered, so they proceeded down the stairs. Arriving on the lower floor, things change. Dale couldn't pinpoint it, but the atmosphere seemed thicker somehow. Breathing was harder and walking felt like going through sludge. He still felt his ability was active so there wasn’t much they could do.

— It doesn’t seem like we’ll be lucky to not find anything on this floor as well.

— It looks that way. If it will be harder the closer to the reception we get, the 10 hours we have left might not be enough. We’ll have to pick up the pace.

— I was thinking about that. — Kyle hesitated for a few seconds before continuing — Don’t you guys think our skill set is too perfect? I mean, a protective support who shields— Pointing at himself — A damage dealer — Pointing at Nina — and an utility support — Pointing at Dale — Considering our game-like situation, our abilities cover a broad range. It doesn’t feel like a coincidence.

After thinking for a couple of seconds, Dale turned to Nina and asked — Would you happen to know Ms. Hazel’s abilities?

— Sort of, we didn’t have much time to discuss after looking up our status windows, but she kept mentioning she felt something was wrong when we got inside the building. I figured she meant it generally. But now that you mention it, she did react to the tentacles faster than I did, and that reaction time is unlike her.

— So, we might be able to assume she has some sort of sensing ability. Maybe even one able to detect the presence of the creatures.

— You’re saying I might be right? Did someone plan to put us together?

— I think you might be right, and if so, Mr. Oliver might also have an ability that will help us clear this mission.

Dale’s expression suddenly changed.

— What is it? Did you find out something?

Before Dale could answer, a strident shriek struck their ears. A sharp pain ran through their heads while their bodies vibrated along with the sound. When it stopped, they could see the source of their discomfort. A large mass of tentacles was headed towards them. Like the first creature, it walked using four stumps of intermingled tentacles, the soft wet noises echoed throughout the corridor as it moved towards its prey.

— It found us before we could find it. It’s time to put our plan into action.

— Are you sure it’s gonna work? — Kyle’s voice trembled slightly.

— No idea, but we’ll only know if we try — Answered Dale with a nervous smile.

— I like your style, let’s teach this thing a lesson — Nina readied her sword while her eyes focused on the beast.

The monster trudged with a predator’s confidence toward the group. They could feel its gaze without seeing its eyes. The closer it got, the stronger the pressure on them seemed to increase. The water-like atmosphere hurt their lungs as they tried to maintain their senses, and soon, it got close enough.

— Now — After feeling Kyle touch his back, Dale kicked the ground and dashed towards the left side of the creature.

[SPECIAL SKILL, OVER-THINKING, ACTIVATED]

A shimmering film materialized around his body as he moved forward. The creature’s gaze followed him as he got closer.

— As expected. The second I used an ability it locked on me. — Thought Dale.

The creature observed Dale moving closer without reacting. Although he felt something was wrong, Dale continued with the plan, but when He got close enough to the creature he realized his mistake.

With movements unlike its companion, the creature swiftly contracted its appendages and launched an attack at Dale’s head.

— It’s faster than the other one!!!

Realizing his mistake, Dale did his best to get out of the way. Although he could see most of the attack, his body couldn't keep up with his senses. The tentacles grazed Dale’s head, which was barely protected by Kyle’s shield, launching him towards the wall.

— Ugh! — Dale coughed blood. Then, through his blurry vision, he saw a silver light cutting through the darkness of the corridor.

***

Without losing focus of the situation, Nina waited for the right time, as she always had. The visions of war that flickered through her mind quickly disappeared as she saw Dale dash forwards. The timing was crucial, so she prepared herself. Dale’s expression hinted that something was wrong, but he pushed on and so would she. When the creature attacked, She saw it. The red gem Dale had mentioned.

As soon as the crimson glint reached her eyes, the air around her started to change.

Her previously dull wooden sword shone with a silver light, and so did her hair. Cutting through the darkness, the shining blade pierced through the void as if nothing would hinder its progress. Without time to react, all the creature could do was watch the silver warrior piercing its core. When the blade touched the core, a shock wave burst the windows and damaged the walls around them.

The gemstone in the creature’s chest cracked, but it didn’t break. Realizing they failed to kill the creature, Nina and Kyle tried quickly to retreat, but before they could, the creature shrieked and launched an attack on the two.

Before the attack reached them, a wooden sword barely deflected the strike with a loud thud.

— I won’t fail this time — With every ounce of his being, Dale lunged at the red crystal. His sword soared through the air with a different weight than before.

Watching from beyond the veil, Amy smiled.